New expansion team heading to Chicago
The East Coast Hockey League, or ECHL made a major announcement today as the league continues their All-Star celebrations. The most recent announcement could have implications on the NHL as well.
The league announced today that a new expansion team would be coming to the Chicago area starting next season. So far, the league has not released any further details including the team name or possible NHL affiliations.
The move comes as more and more NHL teams look to fill out their farm systems with a third-tier team. Currently, some NHL teams have ECHL affiliates and some do not. The Blackhawks are currently affiliated with the Indy Fuel, which are owned by the same ownership group that has purchased the new expansion team.
it is unclear whether or not this team will replace the Fuel as the Blackhawks affiliate, but it is certainly possible as affiliations with the lower tier pro leagues can change affiliations frequently, especially in the ECHL. Stay tuned for updates as this story develops over the coming months.
| POLL | ||
JANVIER 17 | 603 ANSWERS New expansion team heading to Chicago Should each NHL team have an ECHL affiliate? | ||
| Yes | 382 | 63.3 % |
| All or None | 97 | 16.1 % |
| No | 124 | 20.6 % |
| List of polls | ||
![Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates scoring against Team Canada during the first period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/530920.webp "Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team USA forward Brady Tkachuk (7) celebrates scoring against Team Canada during the first period during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-Imagn Images")
![Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Mitch Marner (16) warms up prior to the during the first periodau- during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images](https://i.marqueur.com/habsetlnh/medium/530913.webp "Feb 20, 2025; Boston, MA, USA; [Imagn Images direct customers only] Team Canada forward Mitch Marner (16) warms up prior to the during the first periodau- during the 4 Nations Face-Off ice hockey championship game at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Winslow Townson-Imagn Images")
